Wolfhound Dane

The statuesque Wolfhound Dane is a designer hybrid dog that is sometimes referred to as the Irish Dane. He is a mix between the Irish Wolfhound and the Great Dane. Although he is a giant, he is gentle, affectionate, and loving. His large size means that you have to have adequate room for him. This big boy stands 32 to 38 inches at the shoulders and weighs 120 to 180 pounds. In the last 20 years, the Wolfhound Dane has risen in popularity. However, the hybrid mix is thought to have been first created in the 1800s, when breeders decided to cross the two parent behemoths to create the Wolfhound Dane.

Purpose

Companion

Date of Origin

1800s

Ancestry

Irish Wolfhound, Great Dane

Wolfhound Dane Health

Average Size

Height: 32-38 inchesWeight: 120-180 lbs

Height: 32-36 inchesWeight: 120-150 lbs

Major Concerns

Hip Dysplasia

Bloat

Eye Problems

Cancer

Cardiac Disease

Minor Concerns

Allergies

Occasional Diagnoses

None Known

Occasional Tests

Cardiac

Eye examination

Wellness Check

Full Physical Examination regarding joint movement around the hip and kneecap

Wolfhound Dane Breed History

The Wolfhound Dane is a wonderful cross that truly brings out the best in both of its parent breeds. The Irish Wolfhound has been traced back to the first century. An ancient breed, he was frequently used to hunt elk and other big game. He was also used as a dog of war. In the breed’s early days, he was referred to as Cu which translates ‘War Dog’ in Gaelic. He has also been a valued guard dog throughout history. Historically, only noblemen and royalty were allowed to own the towering dogs. Limits were also placed on how many each family could own based on the family’s status. The limits imposed on the breed made the numbers dwindle dangerously in the 1800s. Two men, referred to as Major Richardson and Captain Graham, are credited with reviving the breed. They used Glengarry Deerhounds, Irish Danes, and Tibetan Mastiffs in their breeding program to create the modern Irish Wolfhound. Unlike the Irish Wolfhounds in history, the modern breed does not make a good watchdog as is not aggressive. The American Kennel Club officially recognized the breed in 1950 and it was entered into the Hound Group. The Great Dane is an ancient breed that can be traced back to 3000 BC. The Assyrians first bred the Great Dane by breeding their dogs with the Mastiffs of Rome. In the early days, they were known as Boar Hounds because they were used to hunt boars. By the 1500s, the breed was called the English Danois. Frenchmen visiting Denmark in the 1500s started to refer to the dog as the Grand Danois. German breeders eventually took an interest in the breed and refined it from a fierce hunter to a calm, family dog. The Great Dane was first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885 and was entered into the Working Group.

Wolfhound Dane Breed Appearance

The Wolfhound Dane is a massive breed with a large, very rectangular head. He has floppy ears and his eyes are dark and almond-shaped. His fur varies from being short like the Great Dane to longer and coarse like that of the Irish Wolfhound. He comes in a wide array of colors such as gray, blue, brown, black, white, cream golden, brindle, red, merle, speckled, spotted and salt and pepper. His tail is long and slightly curved. His feet are exceptionally large. His entire form is that of sheer, bulky muscle.

Eye Color Possibilities

Brown

Nose Color Possibilities

Black

Coat Length

ShortMediumLong

Coat Density

SparseNormalDense

Coat Texture

StraightWiryWavyCurlyCorded

Wolfhound Dane Breed Maintenance

The Wolfhound Dane requires very little maintenance. A monthly bath will usually take care of any doggy odor. His fur does not tangle or shed excessively so a weekly brushing with the slicker brush should be all that is needed to keep him looking neat and smart. If he does not receive adequate exercise to wear down his nails, then you will need to clip them every few weeks. His floppy ears should be wiped out once a week to remove any excess debris buildup. Some owners opt to brush their canine's teeth weekly to control doggy breath and prevent gum disease.

Brushes for Wolfhound Dane

Slicker Brush

Nail Clipper

Brushing Frequency

DailyWeeklyMonthly

Wolfhound Dane Temperament

The Wolfhound Dane is very docile and loving. He is a loyal giant. Despite his large size, he is gentle and gets along well with other animals. Many people might think that this intimidating breed would not make a good family pet but the opposite is true. He actually makes a wonderful family dog and adores children. Although he is not a guard dog, his imposing size is usually enough to deter any would-be burglars. He rarely barks which many people consider a bonus.

Wolfhound Dane Activity Requirements

Although the Wolfhound Dane is large, he is very mellow and does not require excessive amounts of exercise. He does benefit from a daily short walk but he does not make a good jogging companion because his body is not designed for speed or long distance running. He is not overly fond of games such as fetch or catching a frisbee. He does do well in obedience because he is always willing to please his owner. Usually, he just likes to take life slow and easy.